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New education policy 2016 would require amendments to the RTE

304 Jun 21, 2016

As per the several recommendations made under the new education policy this year, amendments will have to be made to the Right to Education Act, 2009.

The draft proposes merging of neighbouring, "small, non-viable schools" contradicting the RTE Act on the schools located in close proximity, "within a walking distance of one kilometre", for children attending, classes 1 to 5.

The draft emphasizes "school mapping" contradicting the concept of "child mapping" by the RTE and stressed that for children to attend "non-viable" schools, provision of proper transport facility should be ensured. It also notes that such a consolidation exists in various states, namely, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh and all the BJP ruled states.

The policy suggests making education for children aged between four to five years, a right and involvement of the NCERT as well as the State Councils for Educational research and training to develop pre-school curricula.

The committee noted that the number of schools claiming religious or linguistic minority have eventually increased. Therefore, the proposal for extension of 25 per cent economically weaker quota in private schools to minority institutions will also require amendments to be made.a

The RTE mandated a no-detention policy, banning grade repetition till seventh standard, but the new policy's committee wants it limited to fifth standard. The committee recommends cover remedial classes, to be conducted by school teachers or volunteers, as well as conduction of supplementary examinations.

The committee suggests that States should be given flexibility to determine their own norms for infrastructural requirements.

The proposal also suggests protection of private schools. The report lists that there is no space for building additional rooms or playgrounds due to the minimum RTE mandated infrastructure requirements and other norms. The policy also includes provision for dropouts as well as working children to continue their schooling.